Vinita Manufacturer to Shift Operations to Texas

VINITA, Okla. (AP) — Leaders in Vinita say 180 people will be out of work after a manufacturing plant moves its operations to Texas.

J.C. Kinder, the executive director of the Vinita Area Chamber of Commerce, says the Cinch Connectors plant will move to McAllen, Texas, before the end of the summer.

Kinder tells The Oklahoman that the plant employs 120 full-time workers and 60 workers through temporary employment agencies. Kinder says officials will begin laying off workers within 60 days and the plant will be completely closed by the end of the year.

A company spokesman says the Vinita plant was no longer cost-effective and that moving to Texas will help the company reduce costs.

The company makes connectors and other products for the computer, aerospace, military and transportation industries.